The research organization The Conference Board, "issued a report indicating that the number of people who watch TV shows online has doubled in the last year [and] close to 16 percent of American households now watch some programs online." (Mitchell, 2007) It's great that we can take our personal convince to the next level, but what does this mean for us a society, in the US and across the world?
When I was younger my mom wouldn't let me have a TV in my room, for fear I'd disappear and never come out ever again. What would she do in a society like today? Take away my TV, computer and cell phone? Now there are no more days of suffering through watching "Opera," with her at 4:00 p.m. to secure my viewing of the 5:00 p.m. episode of "The Fresh Prince." In these new times of technological advancement, I would simply go to my own room and watch it on my computer via live stream whenever I desired.
Sixty percent of people admitted they watched TV online out of "personal convince," ((Mitchell, 2007)) one could think "Wow, isn't it nice we can watch TV whenever we want," on contrary, does this statistic prove that our culture today is more self centered then ever? If that's our today, what will be our tomorrow? We look down on 3rd world countries for not having the new luxury of "custom content", but should Americans, who are often referred to as the most selfish society in the world, really feel sorry for them? Many would argue they should feel sorry for us.
Mitchell, Dan (2007. Oct, 10). I want My Web TV. New York Times
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ReplyDeleteIt is only a matter of time before the Internet becomes a commonality through out the world. America is said to be the most selfish societies in the world but people are only capitalizing on what is presented to them. The Internet has equally as many benefits as it does downfalls.
ReplyDeleteOn the subject of "appointment viewing," how people are choosing their own schedules, what about online meetings? More and more people are swapping the morning rush hour traffic for their living room couches to participate in the weekly meetings and conferences. GoToMeeting.com provides the necessary tools to set up corporate meetings. "Any business can conduct very effective, real-time, interactive meetings and training sessions over the Web for a tiny fraction of the cost of an offsite event," says Bernardo de Albergaria, vice president and general manager, Global Marketing and eCommerce for Citrix Online. "With these simple yet powerful Web-based services, they can avoid spiraling travel costs, while enhancing their productivity and ability to compete and succeed. It's a formula for success in any economic environment,"(With Spotlight on Corporate Bailouts, Web Conferencing Avoids the Embarrassment of Expensive Offsite Meetings, 2008).
Four day work weeks are some what of a myth, but I believe this trend will pick up shortly. There will be a new realm of of online conference communities increasing the amount of time spent at home and minimizing the traditional working style. This will save both time and money, two things that are of increased importance.